Jeet on genre: 'I'm like water, open to any role'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bengali superstar Jeet says he has no favourite film genre, describing himself as 'like water' who can take any shape a story demands. The actor, speaking on the occasion of his latest release, made clear that his artistic identity transcends category — and that he prefers audiences to see him through the lens of craft, not genre.
Nine Looks, One Artist
Jeet's new film features him in nine distinct looks, a detail that drew considerable attention ahead of release. The actor was quick to separate spectacle from substance. 'Nine looks and genres have nothing to do with each other. Nine looks are, again, like a lot to do with small, small portions in the film. But genre defines the overall film. And I enjoy being seen as an artist; I would prefer myself seen through the lens,' he said.
He elaborated on his approach to roles: 'I'm like water, you know. Whichever form you want to give me, I would love to take that shape. So, for me, it's like that. And as an artist, I'm open to all sorts of genres, any genre of films.'
Why Period Films Connect Across Generations
Asked about the enduring appeal of period dramas across age groups, Jeet offered a measured take. 'See, any material, if it is nicely told, well made, and nicely presented, connects. Not necessarily period, but yeah, in period films, you have a lot of factuals to play around with,' he said. The observation reflects a broader truth about Indian cinema — that production design and historical texture can anchor emotional storytelling in ways contemporary settings sometimes cannot.
About the New Film
Jeet's latest release, 'Keu Bole Biplabi Keu Bole Dakat', is a biographical action drama directed by Pathikrit Basu. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Kolkata, the film follows the mysterious Ananta Singh — an ageing figure whose daring robberies of the powerful divide public opinion, with some branding him a criminal and others revering him as a modern-day revolutionary. The ensemble cast includes Tota Roy Chowdhury, Kaushik Sen, Rajatav Dutt, Chandan Sen, Loknath Dey, and Mimi Chakraborty.
A Career Built on Versatility
At 47, Jeet carries more than two decades of experience across 57 films in Bengali cinema. Popularly referred to as 'the Boss', he also serves as executive president of the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum — a role that places him at the intersection of creative and institutional power in the Bengali film industry. His remarks on genre fluidity are consistent with a filmography that has ranged from action blockbusters to dramatic narratives. As 'Keu Bole Biplabi Keu Bole Dakat' reaches audiences, the actor appears focused on letting the work speak for itself.